Did you get a guitar for Christmas? See below for information about group guitar classes, starting soon at Forte Music Studios. And if you're interested in the possibility of taking private lessons on the guitar -- or any other instrument -- give us a call at Forte at 540-899-6787. The start of a new year is the perfect time to pursue your musical dreams!

THANK YOU for visiting Forte Music Studios online! We strive to provide a positive environment where "Lessons for All ~ Learn to Play" is more than a casual phrase. Music at Forte is taught by expert, professional instructors to students of all ages who learn through both study and performance. (Click on the Instructors link above.)

FORTE is located in "The House on the Corner at the Crossroads of Music" where Route 3 and Highway 1 meet in Fredericksburg. We are open regularly from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Our phone number is 540-899-6787 (540-899-OPUS). We cordially invite you to stop by and see what we do!

OUR GOAL is to share our knowledge and love of music with each student in an individual setting. At Forte Music Studios our experienced and enthusiastic instructors teach bass, cello, Chapman stick, clarinet, drum, flute, French horn, guitar, music theory, oboe, piano, recorder, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin and voice lessons. Whether you have a musical background -- or have never before taken a music lesson -- there is a place for you at Forte.

TENOR SAXOPHONE FOR SALE: Bought new and used about four years. Just refurbished and like new. It's still in the case and has song books. Asking $1,500 or best offer. Contact number: 540-295-9713. Only serious inquiries, please.

VIOLA FOR SALE: Beautiful 2007 12" Frederick A. Strobel Viola, case and shoulder rest in excellent condition. Was well taken care of and is ready for a new owner. We are asking $275. Please contact Kelly at 540-604-0942.

CELLO FOR SALE: Beautiful 4/4 cello, purchased in 2005 from and maintained by Jan Hampton Violins. Used for school, and daughter is now done with her instrument. Excellent condition. $650. Contact Carol at 540-207-2805. Email: calibbon@gmail.com.

VIOLIN FOR SALE: 4/4 violin, case and accessories in excellent condition. Used for school, and son is done with it. $475. Contact Carol at 540-207-2805. Email: calibbon@gmail.com.

CELLO FOR SALE: Frederick Strobel 3/4 cello. 2011 Model K36. $800 obo. Very good condition. Played by student in private lessons, cello ensemble and school concerts for almost three years. Has Thomastik Dominant strings. With bow, Heritage mobile lightweight wheeled case and a soft-sided/padded cello case. Purchased new locally. Call Pam at 540-841-3625. Email: pbennett72@comcast.net.

VIOLIN FOR SALE: A student has moved from violin to flute, and the family would like to sell a one-half size violin that was made by Scott Cao Violins and purchased from Kapeller Violins in Richmond about two years ago. The violin was well taken care of and is in great shape, with an asking price of $500. The contact phone number is 540-899-6351. Email: abbabricoco@gmail.com.

BASS FOR SALE (PRICE LOWERED): A family has a one-half size bass -- gently used and with no observed marks or imperfections in the finish -- for sale. It is a Meisel Mozart Model 8700, serial # 812241. The violin was bought in 2008 for $1,600 and the asking price is $750, which includes the German bow, soft case and rosin. If interested, please call 540-846-4529.

IF YOU HAVE an instrument that you would like us to list on the Forte website, please use the form on the Contact Us page to tell us about it. Be sure to include a brief description, plus whatever contact information you would like us to use. Thank you.

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A SERVICE FOR STUDENTS OF VIOLIN and other stringed instruments is offered by appointment at Forte on a monthly basis. Adam Birce, owner/operator of Four Strings Violin Shop in Richmond, will be available the second Saturday of each month from approximately 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for routine adjustments and inspections of bowed string instruments. It is important to contact Mr. Birce in advance to be sure he will be here on a specific date.

Mr. Birce will also take bow rehairs and other necessary repair work to Richmond and bring it back the following month.

A graduate of the School of Music at Virginia Commonwealth University, Mr. Birce took additional instruction in violin repair and restoration at the University of New Hampshire. He may be contacted by phone at 804-873-0247 or email at: adam.birce@fourstringsrva.com. Click here for a link to the Four Strings website.

"FIFTY MINUTES OF FORTE MUSIC" -- featuring performances by several Forte Music students and members of the Spotsylvania High School Saxophone Quartet -- was held Sunday afternoon, November 20, at Peace United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg. The program, which also included a tribute to the traditional American Thanksgiving holiday, was followed by an informal reception and an opportunity to greet the performers.

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Pictured above are all student performers from the November 20 program. In the front row are guitarists Xander Puder (left) and Alex Olah. In the back row (from left) are members of the Spotsylvania High School Saxophone Quartet: Andrew Coleman, Randal Caylor, Tyler Klix and Hailey Amick. Other students in the back row are (from left): saxophonists Austin McNichols, Matthew List, Jocelyn Price, Aria Finley, and pianist Alex Johnson.

Additional pictures from the "Fifty Minutes of Forte Music" program and reception may be found on the Calendar/Contact/Links/Pix page of this website.

More Forte student performance programs are planned for 2017. Check this website occasionally for upcoming dates and other information.

WELCOME!

GOOD-BYE GUITAR GUY! After almost four years of welcoming visitors to the Forte website and waiting for a call at the edge of his own personal swamp, our faithful (if not very energetic) guitar guy has decided it's time to go. At last report, he is hitchhiking to California to help with the drought.

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Check below for information about the Forte Music Studios November 20th "Fifty Minutes of Forte Music" Recital. More pictures are posted on the Calendar/Pix page of this website.